Two troubled souls find each other--though time may be running out. A marvelous ABC-TV movie that gave Jill Clayburgh an early triumph (just before "An Unmarried Woman" put her on the Hollywood A-list). The finale, with Peter Falk lashing out on the street, is stunning and staggering in its emotion. It may very well put some viewers off, but I completely understood Falk's character and felt thoroughly his pain and suffering. I've never forgotten that sequence, it is that powerful. Most of the picture is underlined with the usual TV-styled sentiment, however the sincerity of the handling is honestly expressed (thanks to the lead performances and a firm direction). The production is gritty and not glossy (a big plus), and the finale as noted is not romanticized. Worth seeking out.
11 Reviews
Good Sad Movie Odd in Some Ways though
stevestone62426 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw this movie in April of 2014, what is sad that Jill Clayburgh, did actually die in 2010 from Leukemia (think that is what she was dying from in the movie), and even though I also found it hard to realize that that is Peter Falk who played Geoffrey Griffin?? The actor sure didn't have his gravely voice at all, and also sure didn't look like Peter Falk, I sure wondered if the right actor was listed but it sure is.
Wondered also why there was the emotional lashing out hitting cars with a sludge hammer, why that was in the script, but guess the writers put that into the story to show the emotions Geoffrey Griffin having for Sarah Phoenix dying before him.
1976 when this film was made, it sure is yes a sad beautiful story about two troubled souls finding each other and their dying end of their lives.
It's well worth seeing this movie if you can.
Wondered also why there was the emotional lashing out hitting cars with a sludge hammer, why that was in the script, but guess the writers put that into the story to show the emotions Geoffrey Griffin having for Sarah Phoenix dying before him.
1976 when this film was made, it sure is yes a sad beautiful story about two troubled souls finding each other and their dying end of their lives.
It's well worth seeing this movie if you can.
'Got Through' to Oil Riggers
johnnylinehan5 July 2004
In the 70s, I worked offshore in the North Sea and I got to run the projector when we viewed films after coming off shift.
Of the many different films we watched, only two caused the men to linger behind and talk about them. One was 'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and the other was 'Griffin and Phoenix'.
'Cuckoo's Nest' had an obvious appeal to the mad, bad and sad men who lived and worked on an offshore construction site. It was essential to be mad to work there.
We were Cajuns, Texans, Spanish, Lebanese and men from all over the world. We worked a minimum of 12 hrs a day for months at a time building platforms and somehow surviving each other as well as the job and the sea and the weather.
'Griffin and Phoenix' touched us all for one reason: It was real. On one plane, it is a straightforward love story with moments of deep sadness and even humour. However, the Reality we were affected by was not the story itself or how it was filmed. The thing that got through to all of us, was Peter Falk's anguish.
The very things that made the world warm to Columbo; the rumpledness, the ordinary-ness, the hidden cleverness - Were all there in this film.
It made us really feel that it was ourselves up on that screen; That it was our agony; our dilemma; our fate.
I don't know why it is not shown more often, although I suspect it may be that it would 'interfere' with the Columbo image.
Whatever the reason, I recommend that you seek it out if you want to see acting that transcends acting and becomes universal truth. No bullshit: Some of us cried. We didn't cry when friends got killed in horrible accidents or even when a few of us got the worst news you can get from home
But, some of us cried over this film.
Of the many different films we watched, only two caused the men to linger behind and talk about them. One was 'Over the Cuckoo's Nest' and the other was 'Griffin and Phoenix'.
'Cuckoo's Nest' had an obvious appeal to the mad, bad and sad men who lived and worked on an offshore construction site. It was essential to be mad to work there.
We were Cajuns, Texans, Spanish, Lebanese and men from all over the world. We worked a minimum of 12 hrs a day for months at a time building platforms and somehow surviving each other as well as the job and the sea and the weather.
'Griffin and Phoenix' touched us all for one reason: It was real. On one plane, it is a straightforward love story with moments of deep sadness and even humour. However, the Reality we were affected by was not the story itself or how it was filmed. The thing that got through to all of us, was Peter Falk's anguish.
The very things that made the world warm to Columbo; the rumpledness, the ordinary-ness, the hidden cleverness - Were all there in this film.
It made us really feel that it was ourselves up on that screen; That it was our agony; our dilemma; our fate.
I don't know why it is not shown more often, although I suspect it may be that it would 'interfere' with the Columbo image.
Whatever the reason, I recommend that you seek it out if you want to see acting that transcends acting and becomes universal truth. No bullshit: Some of us cried. We didn't cry when friends got killed in horrible accidents or even when a few of us got the worst news you can get from home
But, some of us cried over this film.
Incredible picture.
herrgaman24 May 2002
This movie does not strike a single false note. Every touch is right on target. Unfortunately it's almost never shown, so do not miss a chance to see it. Except for the fashions and locations, Griffin and Phoenix has not aged a day. Very beautiful, moving and funny.
First-Rate TV Movie is Very Touching
mrb198023 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh certainly don't sound like the typical romantic couple. In fact, it's hard to envision them as being a couple at all
until you watch "Griffin and Phoenix: A Love Story". The story is the old "two dying people fall in love" one, but it's done with such grace and believability that the film is really irresistible.
Griffin (Falk) is told by his doctor that his cancer has spread and he only has a short time to live, so he decides to take a college class instead of moping around at home. There he meets Phoenix (Clayburgh) a fun-loving, carefree woman to whom he is instantly attracted. The two naturally fall in love, sharing many emotional, sweet, and poignant scenes together. Griffin accidentally discovers Phoenix's secret, though: she too is dying of cancer, and also wants to live a little before the end comes. The two make an unbreakable agreement: when one knows it's the time to leave and face death, the other cannot follow, but must remain behind and not interfere. One day Griffin comes home to find a note from Phoenix stating that she has left, and reminding him of their agreement not to search for her. Griffin cannot say goodbye so easily, and frantically searches until he finds Phoenix in a hospital, on life support and clearly close to the end of her life. Although she is upset that he has found her like this, the two lovers embrace one last time before Phoenix passes away. Griffin then slowly walks down a street, staring blankly ahead while smashing car windows, as the film ends.
I saw this film at its premiere over 32 years ago and I have often thought of its message. If you just review the film's plot and cast, you'd think that there's no way this film would be any good. Logic suggests that Falk should be badly miscast as the male lead in a poignant, romantic movie like this; however, he is absolutely excellent as Griffin. Clayburgh is wonderful as always as Phoenix, bringing a cheerful yet rational approach to her doomed character. The two lovers' final scene together is truly tearful and emotional, and makes you feel as though you are there sharing their love and pain. The two leads turn what could be a mawkish, maudlin story into one that is uplifting yet very sad at the same time. It's just a wonderful film with great actinga stunningly superb TV movie.
Griffin (Falk) is told by his doctor that his cancer has spread and he only has a short time to live, so he decides to take a college class instead of moping around at home. There he meets Phoenix (Clayburgh) a fun-loving, carefree woman to whom he is instantly attracted. The two naturally fall in love, sharing many emotional, sweet, and poignant scenes together. Griffin accidentally discovers Phoenix's secret, though: she too is dying of cancer, and also wants to live a little before the end comes. The two make an unbreakable agreement: when one knows it's the time to leave and face death, the other cannot follow, but must remain behind and not interfere. One day Griffin comes home to find a note from Phoenix stating that she has left, and reminding him of their agreement not to search for her. Griffin cannot say goodbye so easily, and frantically searches until he finds Phoenix in a hospital, on life support and clearly close to the end of her life. Although she is upset that he has found her like this, the two lovers embrace one last time before Phoenix passes away. Griffin then slowly walks down a street, staring blankly ahead while smashing car windows, as the film ends.
I saw this film at its premiere over 32 years ago and I have often thought of its message. If you just review the film's plot and cast, you'd think that there's no way this film would be any good. Logic suggests that Falk should be badly miscast as the male lead in a poignant, romantic movie like this; however, he is absolutely excellent as Griffin. Clayburgh is wonderful as always as Phoenix, bringing a cheerful yet rational approach to her doomed character. The two lovers' final scene together is truly tearful and emotional, and makes you feel as though you are there sharing their love and pain. The two leads turn what could be a mawkish, maudlin story into one that is uplifting yet very sad at the same time. It's just a wonderful film with great actinga stunningly superb TV movie.
My old friend who eventually died
rezakazemi215 October 2009
When I was an 8 years old boy, owning video set was forbidden in my cursed country, Iran. Those days we were at eight years war with Iraq. In such bad situation, old movies on Betamax video tapes were our family's only fun whereas that was so risky due to country's law .You would have been arrested if it was proved that you have videotapes at home. My father was MD and one of his clients used to rent tapes although illegally. I watched so many great movies, mostly classics, in this way in that time. One of most memorable movies among them was "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story". It was a dubbed version & Its Persian title was "The kite" apparently because of emphasized presence of that motif in the storyline. This name had remained on this movie since before Iranian revoloution in 1979. After I saw the movie; I was stuck into that although I was so little. I watched that Betamax tape over & over again in the next years. Oh my god! It was amazing! The film's impact on me sustained so. I don't know anything about my childish reaction to this movie but now, I certainly can say It's brilliant, a film in the mood of 70s nihilistic cinema with anarchistic characteristics. This movie just made after a highly admired movie, "Love story" by Arthur Hiller, and after that Swedish director, Roy Anderson, Had made his own version of love story in the title of "A Swedish love story". "Griffin & Phoenix: A love story" is a deconstructive adaptation of love story, having less sentiment & added some intelligence with a mentored attitude toward the life. The message is straight: Nothing will be remaining from human except those moments spent on delight and love. I don't believe in an outside realm. All we can get is in this life although all the things have to be faded away gradually, Likewise me, likewise my Betamax videotapes. Unfortunately I have no longer a version of my lovely favorite movie. Sad but true.
Total immersion!!!
Mr_Mirage28 March 2003
Man! How to get lost in a movie!!!
I saw this on its original broadcast, and its impact remains with me today, over 20 years later.
Two human beings, each painfully aware that the end is near, find one another. The ending has stayed with me as the perfect finale to a film, better than most big budget theater films!!!
One does not think of Falk as a romantic lead, and this film indicates that we, as an audience, have lost much as a result...
I saw this on its original broadcast, and its impact remains with me today, over 20 years later.
Two human beings, each painfully aware that the end is near, find one another. The ending has stayed with me as the perfect finale to a film, better than most big budget theater films!!!
One does not think of Falk as a romantic lead, and this film indicates that we, as an audience, have lost much as a result...
Wonderful and incredibly sad film
imdb-667-514620 February 2010
It has been too many years since I last saw this film, but both Jill Clayburgh and Peter Falk are, in my opinion, perfectly cast as the two friends dying. I can barely remember any of the details, but the heart rending part at the end really stuck and even now, after all of this time, still moves me. If I recall correctly, Peter Falk returns to his car after Phoenix (Jill Clayburgh) dies and discovers he has a flat tyre. He proceeds to get the car jack out of the boot and something, I cannot remember what just makes him flip and he smashes all of the car windows. If I were in his shoes under those conditions, I would probably do the same thing. I hope someone will correct me if I am wrong about the ending, but that is the way I remember it. If you ever get the chance to see it, do so and if possible, try to record it. I hope I get the chance to see it again someday.
A singularly well-titled story of deathless love
doslobos18 June 2004
When I first saw this film on TV I was going through a bad time because of an expanding personal catastrophe. Although in no way really similar to the situation in "Griffin and Phoenix," my own problems -- and my somewhat romantic nature -- made me sympathetic to the situation realistically and lovingly created by Peter Falk and Jill Clayburgh.
It has become one of my favorite films of the kind. If it is in some respects not always happy, it is thus more true to life. Love is in some aspect always tragic, even when it ends happily in marriage; but love, if it is truly that, is unending and undying. I feel this motion picture should share that fate.
It has become one of my favorite films of the kind. If it is in some respects not always happy, it is thus more true to life. Love is in some aspect always tragic, even when it ends happily in marriage; but love, if it is truly that, is unending and undying. I feel this motion picture should share that fate.
A touching, realistic, funny, gritty film...
Jeannot26 October 1998
... that is a love story with a very grown-up attitude toward death. Falk and Clayburg are excellent together. A TV movie classic that has been repeated a number of times--but, alas, not lately (to my limited knowledge)
Both are dying, but neither knows the other is, and some dramatic misunderstandings are the result. I won't say any more--except to note that the ending is a classic.
Both are dying, but neither knows the other is, and some dramatic misunderstandings are the result. I won't say any more--except to note that the ending is a classic.
If they are in pain, it's from how they're living rather than the fact that they're dying.
mark.waltz29 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Peter Falks's Geoffrey Griffin seems to believe that since he's dying of cancer, he has the right to be wacky, living as if he would die at any moment. By chance, he meets jill Clayburgh's Sarah Phoenix who has only a short time left to leukemia. They are unaware of each other's conditions, and it's only by accident that she discovers the truth. Up until then, she had been reluctant to have a romantic relationship while he wanted nothing more. Their natural love of humor was what brought them together in the first place, ironically at a night class on dying. It's only a matter of time before the pain starts, so their quality time is limited.
The mixture of comedy and tragedy will help make a sad story all the more watchable, but ultimately, it's not a film about dying. It's a films about living. He desperately wanted his ex-wife back, something that will make viewers question his sanity since she's a pretty awful woman, but it's Clayburgh who gives him the comfort he needs, and vice versa. They are definite soulmates, even though in earthly time it was for a short period. The film mixes joy and sadness, and never comes off forced with the two stars beautifully teamed together. Discussions of their fates are quite realistic, and if this film should be remembered for anything, it's the moral that dying isn't the scary part. Life as it leads towards death is what's frightening, that is if you don't live your best existence.
The mixture of comedy and tragedy will help make a sad story all the more watchable, but ultimately, it's not a film about dying. It's a films about living. He desperately wanted his ex-wife back, something that will make viewers question his sanity since she's a pretty awful woman, but it's Clayburgh who gives him the comfort he needs, and vice versa. They are definite soulmates, even though in earthly time it was for a short period. The film mixes joy and sadness, and never comes off forced with the two stars beautifully teamed together. Discussions of their fates are quite realistic, and if this film should be remembered for anything, it's the moral that dying isn't the scary part. Life as it leads towards death is what's frightening, that is if you don't live your best existence.
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